On-Campus Housing
WTAMU’s Office of Residential Living provides an excellent on-campus housing experience to more than 2,400 students each year, striving to create an on-campus environment which will provide students with opportunities to succeed academically and to develop the interpersonal skills which will assist them throughout their lifetime. National, as well as WTAMU, research shows that on average college students who live on campus earn higher grade point averages, and more likely to graduate in four years, have a higher retention rate than those living off campus, and are more engaged in and satisfied with their overall college experience. In addition to this, a great deal of learning takes place outside of the classroom. Much of this engaged learning occurs in the residence halls where students are challenged by major life questions and are learning about themselves and how to live well with others. Living on campus allows students to transition into adulthood in a safe, supportive environment.
The University offers 11 on-campus residence halls, each offering a unique and comfortable environment for students. All residence hall rooms are all-inclusive - cable TV and high-speed Internet connections, utilities (electricity, water, etc.), a micro-fridge unit, and access to laundry facilities at no additional cost. Residence hall staff is available around the clock to assist students and provide them with the assistance they need to succeed socially and academically. For more information about living on campus, visit the website at wtamu.edu/residentialliving.
Housing Application
Housing applications are available online through the student’s myHousing Portal (available through My Buff Portal). Students must be fully admitted by the University before they can apply for housing. A $150 housing deposit must be submitted with all applications. Applications are processed in order of the date they are received. Contact the Office of Residential Living or visit the website at wtamu.edu/apply-for-housing for more information related to the application process.
University Housing Residency Requirement
West Texas A&M University is committed to the success of each student. We believe that living on campus plays a significant role in students transitioning to college and assists in connecting them to the University experience while helping them reach their academic goals. Therefore, we have established a University housing residency requirement that reflects our philosophy.
Full-time students who are under 21 years of age and who have accrued fewer than 60 post-high school credit hours* are required to live in University housing.
*College credit hours earned while attending high school (dual credit courses, advanced placement, CLEP, etc.) are not
considered.
The University housing residency requirement applies to new, transfer, relocating, and re-enrolling students. Students who fail to comply with the housing requirement may have their registration denied or canceled, a hold placed on their student account, and housing charges posted to their account.
Housing exemptions are considered but rarely granted. It is recommended that students not arrange to live off campus until their request for exemption has been approved through the Office of Residential Living. Exemptions are granted for one academic year (fall/spring) and must be renewed each year. For more information on housing exemptions and the requirement, visit the website at wtamu.edu/student-life/housing-policy.aspx.
Housing Agreement
The housing agreement is valid for one academic year (fall and spring), unless a student begins in the spring semester. The agreement cannot be canceled mid-year while the student is enrolled. Housing and meal plan agreements should be read carefully before signing or acknowledging acceptance of terms and conditions.
Meal Plan Requirement
The University offers various meal plans specifically designed to meet the needs of students. Students residing on campus are required to purchase a meal plan if, prior to the first class day, he/she meets one of the following criteria:
- Under the age of 21
- Completed less than 45 post-high school credit hours (earned after high school graduation)
Meal plans may be changed without an exemption prior to the first class day of each semester. With an approved exemption, meal plans can be changed through the last class day (typically a Friday) of the first week of classes for each semester. Meal plan exemption requests are not accepted after the last class day of the first week of classes. For more information on meal plan exemptions and the requirements, visit the website at wtamu.edu/student-life/housing-policy.aspx.
Meal Plan Options
ARAMARK Corporation operates all food services on the WTAMU campus. All meal plans offer meals in the Dining Hall and also Dining Dollars that can be used at various locations on campus. Students have four meal plan options to choose from during fall and spring semesters:
- 175 meals/semester with $175 Dining Dollars (minimum plan to meet meal plan requirement)
- 200 meals/semester with $150 Dining Dollars
- Unlimited meals/semester with $85 Dining Dollars
- 75 meals plan with $75 Dining Dollars (does not meet meal plan requirement).
Depending upon needs of the student, the appropriate meal plan is selected each semester. There are no refunds for meals the student chooses not to eat, and unused Dining Dollars are not refunded.
Off-Campus Housing
For students not affected by the University housing requirement, the cities of Canyon and Amarillo offer multiple housing options ranging from rental homes to apartments. It is recommended that students who are under the housing requirement not arrange to live off campus until the student’s request for exemption has been approved. Refer to “Commuter Programs” in the “Student Services and Support” section of this catalog for additional off-campus housing information.
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